Non-Prescription Doesn’t Mean Non-Hazardous
Most patients know that doctor-prescribed medication is pretty serious stuff. But if you can buy it at the drug store, how much of a problem could it be?
More than you’d think. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) routinely risks acute liver disease–more so than alcohol or hepatitis.
Long-term use of pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can raise blood pressure, harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys.
None of these products are hazardous if used only occasionally. It’s consistent use that leads to problems–because, since they’re not prescribed, there’s no limit on how many the patient can take.
Patients should have a discussion with their doctor or dentist regarding all medication they may be taking, including over-the-counter varieties.
About Yuri Kaneda, DDS
Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!
